The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:

"hundred thousand united state dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)

"keep it confidential" (they don't want anyone to point out to you that this is a scam)

"utmost confidentiality" (they don't want anyone to point out to you that this is a scam)

"united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)

This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.

drzemelekoboko@aim.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Good day, It is my great pleasure to write you this letter on behalf of my colleagues. Your information was given to me by a member of the South African Export Promotion Council (SAEPC) who was with the Government delegation on a trip to your country for a bilateral conference talk to encourage foreign investors. I am Dr. Zamelek Oboko, a Director of Project Management with the South African Ministry of Minerals and Energy Resources. I am making this contact with you based on the need for an individual/ company who is willing to assist us with a solution to money transfer. First and foremost, I apologize using this medium to reach you for a transaction / business of this magnitude, am counting on you, as a respected and honest person to handle this transaction with sincerity and trust. I have decided to seek co-operation from you in the execution of the deal described hereunder for the benefit of all parties involved and hope you will keep it confidential because of the nature of this transaction. Within the department of Minerals and Energy Recourses where I am employed as a Director of Project Management and with the co-operation of my chairperson, we have in our possession as overdue payment bills Totaling Thirteen million, Five hundred thousand United State Dollars (U.S $13,500,000.00) which we want to transfer abroad with the assistance and co-operation of a foreign company/individual to receive the said fund on our behalf into a reliable company/individual account depending on your convenience. We are handicapped in circumstances, as we are still in active government service and more so the South African Code of Conduct does not allow us to operate off-shore accounts hence your importance in this transaction. This amount represents the balance of the total contract value executed on behalf of my Department by a foreign contracting firm, which we, the officials over invoiced deliberately. THOUGH, THE ACTUAL CONTRACT COSTS HAVE BEEN PAID TO THE ORIGINAL CONTRACTOR, leaving the balance in tune of the said amount which we have in principles gotten approval to remit by Telegraphic Transfer (T.T) to any foreign Bank account you will provide by filling in the application form through the Justice department here in South Africa for the transfer of rights and privileges of the former contractor to you. I have the authority of the parties involved to discuss modalities of sharing with you should you agree to assist us. Your share of the entire sum will be 30% (U.S$4,050.000.00m) 60% for us (U.S$8,100.000.00m) and 10% (U.S$1,350.000.00m) for taxation and miscellaneous expenses. The disbursement pattern still remains as agreed percentage if taxation in your country takes a toll of the total sum. The business itself has no risk factor provided you treat it with utmost confidentiality. Also, your area of specialization is not hindrance to the successful execution of this transaction. I have reposed my confidence in you and hope that you will not disappoint me. I wait in anticipation for your fullest co-operation. Please respond through my email:drzemelekoboko@aim.com for any questions concerning the clarity on this transaction. Kindly notify me by email, your secured telephone and fax number for further details upon your acceptance of this proposal, this will enable me to call and fax all details for your understanding before we commerce on this project. Thank you in anticipation for your Co-operation . Yours faithfully,Dr. Zamelek Oboko.